Several legislative “clean-up” measures have been introduced this session to address problems with the complicated and frustrating redevelopment dissolution process. The state’s efforts overseeing the dismantling of more than 385 redevelopment agencies (RDA) have been severely flawed. While there have been prior efforts to improve the process, most have stalled or been rejected by an Administration focused on more rigid interpretations benefiting the state’s financial bottom line. This dynamic has left little recourse for local agencies but to seek resolution in the courts.

The League of California Cities is pleased to offer a new tool to its members that will help streamline the process of communicating your city’s support or opposition to League “hot’ bills” (legislation that holds significant impact on cities). Starting today, League action alerts from the League’s regional public affairs managers will include a link to the League’s Take Action Center where a sample letter will be available for customization. Action alerts will still include a Word version of the letters but the goal is for city officials to find this new online tool an efficient alternative that helps get city letters out fast and to the right legislative offices.

The League of California Cities announces a new best practices database for cities seeking ideas on how to provide local services. This new resource, California City Solutions, comprises a searchable catalogue of previous applications for the League’s prestigious Helen Putnam Awards. These best practices currently span 2010 through 2013. Applications from 2014 will be included in this database once the Helen Putnam winners are announced in September at the Annual Conference.

The League of California Cities is now accepting nominations from elected officials interested in serving in one of the six at-large board positions (two-year term), or as second vice president (one-year term). All nominees for second vice president must currently be serving or have previously served on the board of directors.

Late last week the White House announced that San Francisco Treasurer and League of California Cities President José Cisneros was appointed vice chair of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans. Upon the announcement, Cisneros made the following statement:

Application Period Opens April 3

President Obama recently announced a new round of federal Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants totaling $600 million, to be awarded by the Department of Transportation (DOT), as part of a broader four-year transportation program. These grants allow cities and towns across the nation to leverage federal government seed money and pair it with local resources to transform their communities.

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced on Wednesday a $310 million multi-state settlement with major manufacturers of Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) computer chips over price fixing allegations. The settlements will pay individuals, businesses and government entities that purchased DRAM or devices containing DRAM from someone other than the manufacturer of DRAM in the United States or any of its territories from Jan. 1, 1998 through Dec. 31, 2002. In addition, defendants have agreed not to engage in the conduct that is the subject of the lawsuits, and have also agreed to compliance training and cooperation.